People take part in a recreation of the Battle of Puebla during "Cinco de Mayo" celebrations in Mexico City, Sunday. / Marco Ugarte, AP

by USA TODAY

by USA TODAY

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is commemorating Cinco de Mayo by urging his countrymen to tackle current problems with the same "unity and commitment" that defeated the French 151 years ago.

Pena Nieto says the holiday celebrates principles that, in his words, "encourage the political forces and federal government to pursue a transformative reform agenda that the country demands and needs."

Cinco de Mayo marks the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, when Mexican troops defeated a French army of Napoleon III, then considered the mightiest military in the world.

The anniversary was marked Sunday with a military parade in the city of Puebla, where the battle took place. It is considered a bigger holiday in the U.S., celebrating Mexican heritage with parades and revelry in many major cities.

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